Car Seat Laws in Delaware
Delaware has a secondary enforcement law for seat belt violations for adults, but primary enforcement for children.
Rear-Facing
Until age 2 or RF seat limit (recommended)
Law requires rear-facing for children under 1
Forward-Facing
Age 2–7 or FF seat limit
Harnessed car seat required through age 7
Booster Seat
Age 8 until 4'9" or age 12
Booster seat required once forward-facing seat is outgrown
Seat Belt Only
Age 12+ in back seat; all ages in front
Seat belt must fit properly across chest and hips — not across the neck
Fine for Violations
Up to $25 per violation
⚠️ Law vs. AAP Recommendations
State law sets the legal minimum. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends keeping children rear-facing as long as possible within the seat's weight and height limits — often beyond the legal minimum age. Always follow the seat manufacturer's guidelines and AAP recommendations for maximum safety.
📋 Legal Source
Delaware Code Title 21 §4803